Lending a helping hand

HUNT— Following the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Hill Country, Chambers County residents traveled west in droves to assist in relief efforts.

On Friday, July 11, various organizations and individuals gathered at Hunt Baptist Church to lend a hand in any way they could, from cooking meals to distributing essential items.

"We've been blessed more by them than they've been blessed by us," said David Bennett, Texas Gatorfest and Larrett Energy Services.

The crew primarily focused on cooking for first responders, military personnel, local residents of Hunt, and anyone who showed up hungry.

They prepared three meals a day, offering home-cooked comfort foods that provided a sense of warmth and comfort, and Bennett said the crew served over 5,000 meals in eight days.

They didn't just have classic comfort foods. On Saturday evening, the group cooked 400 ribeye steaks, and later in their stay, Blue Bell Creameries supplied a cooler full of ice cream.

"They were just so excited to have a hot meal and a friendly face. It's been an honor to be up here and to help serve them," said Meredith Turner-Croyle, Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce, Texas Gatorfest, Anahuac City Council and AISD Education Foundation.

Turner-Croyle said she was drawn to help after seeing news and footage of the flood, adding that she is community-oriented and likes to lend a hand where she can.

Bennett brought his Jesse D. Leggett II Memorial Trailer, which is a fully equipped kitchen trailer made in honor of several children who died.

Tents and tables filled the church parking lot, creating a restaurant-like atmosphere for those who came to eat.

Turner-Croyle and AACC Vice Chair Kimberley Mulkey both shared that first responders from around the country expressed deep gratitude for the fresh meals and hospitality shown by the group.

Mulkey was contacted to see if she could help with search and recovery due to her previous experience as managing partner at Sterling Funeral Homes for a decade, but because she has young grandchildren, Mulkey decided to help in other ways.

Displaced during Hurricane Beryl, Mulkey said she knew she wanted to help in some capacity.

Mulkey said the funeral industry is the last responder, and they work closely with first responders.

"For me, it was imperative that I be able to go and help in any way, shape, or form," Mulkey said.

Initially planning to stay for two days, Bennett spent a little over a week helping out because "two days just wasn't enough," and he wasn't alone, as many stayed longer than anticipated.

"We have been given the privilege to sit, visit and pray with so many people to hear their story and how much closer to God they have gotten," Bennett said.

Commissioner Precinct 3 Tommy Hammond said he felt pulled to help because he understood the loss that comes from hurricanes and similar natural disasters.

"I think we've all experienced that at one point in time, probably not to that magnitude, but just being able to go out and help — that's what it's all about," Hammond said.

They also helped clean debris from the church and transport supplies.

Bennett said after visiting with a couple in their 70s, they found out the couple lost everything, so some drove into town to purchase an AC, refrigerator, microwave and a fan for the couple.

Chambers County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Jeffery Choate was also in Kerr County, activated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce, Texas Gatorfest, Chambers County Commissioner Precinct 3 Tommy Hammond, Anahuac City Council, NVC Wallisville, Winnie Dodge, Larrett Energy Services, USA Debusk, Maverick International and more helped with efforts.